The Missouri Supreme Court has scheduled the execution of Brian Dorsey for April 9, 2024, for the murders of Ben and Sarah Bonnie. Decades prior to the murders, Dorsey endured substantial mental and physical childhood trauma, and developed a drug addiction in adolescence that carried into his adulthood. He has claimed ineffective assistance of counsel, as his attorney entered him into a plea deal without contesting the possibility of capital punishment.
The Catholic Church is strongly opposed to the death penalty because it disregards the sanctity and dignity of human life. In addition to submitting a clemency request to the Governor, the Missouri Catholic Conference will be hosting a respectful protest outside the Governor’s office at the Missouri Capitol from 12-1 pm on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 9. The public is welcome to attend the protest, and if you would like to contact Governor Parson yourself and voice your opposition to Mr. Dorsey’s execution, you can reach his office via phone at (573) 751-3222 or email him here.